Choosing the right exam after Class 12 can shape your entire management career. For students aspiring to join the prestigious 5-Year Integrated Programme in Management (IPM) at IIMs, three entrance tests dominate the landscape in 2026 — IPMAT Indore, IPMAT Rohtak, and JIPMAT.
While all three exams lead to admission in India’s top IIMs, they are not identical in terms of difficulty, exam structure, or career outcomes. Aspirants often ask:
- “Which exam is tougher?”
- “Which one should I attempt?”
- “Do placements differ if I choose one over the other?”
This blog answers all these questions by comparing IPMAT Indore vs IPMAT Rohtak vs JIPMAT 2026 in detail — covering eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, cut-offs, difficulty level, placements, and long-term career impact.
By the end, you’ll have complete clarity on:
- Which exam matches your academic background (Science/Commerce/Humanities)
- How difficulty levels differ between the three tests
- Which exam gives you the best shot at IIM admission in 2026
- What to choose if you’re planning long-term career growth
Quick Snapshot – Exams at a Glance
Before diving deep into eligibility, syllabus, or cut-offs, let’s understand the basic exam structure of IPMAT Indore, IPMAT Rohtak, and JIPMAT 2026.
| Exam | Conducting Body | Accepting Colleges | Reputation | Sections | Total Questions | Duration | Mode of Exam | Unique Feature |
| IPMAT Indore | IIM Indore | IIM Indore, IIM Shillong, IIM Ranchi, IIM Amritsar, IIM Sirmaur (BMS) | Flagship, oldest IPM program | QA (MCQ), QA (Short Answer), VA | 90 | 120 mins | Online (CBT) | Includes Short Answer (SA) section in Quant with no negative marking) |
| IPMAT Rohtak | IIM Rohtak | IIM Rohtak | Growing recognition, large intake | QA, LR, VA | 120 | 120 mins | Online (CBT) | Includes Logical Reasoning, only overall cutoff (no sectional cutoffs) |
| JIPMAT | National Testing Agency (NTA) | IIM Jammu, IIM Bodh Gaya | Newer programs, rising placements | QA, DILR, VARC | 100 | 150 mins | Online (CBT) | Balanced across all three sections, NCERT Class 10–12 based |
Key Takeaways
- IPMAT Indore → Most challenging exam, advanced math (up to Class 12), sectional cutoffs.
- IPMAT Rohtak → Balanced but speed-intensive, Logical Reasoning makes it distinct.
- JIPMAT → Relatively easier, more accessible for a non-Maths background, growing popularity.
If you’re serious about a career in management, this side-by-side analysis of IPMAT Indore vs Rohtak vs JIPMAT 2026 will help you make the right choice.
Eligibility Criteria Comparison (Indore vs Rohtak vs JIPMAT 2026)
Before choosing between IPMAT Indore, IPMAT Rohtak, or JIPMAT, it’s crucial to check whether you’re even eligible for all three. While the exams look similar, the eligibility criteria differ significantly — especially in terms of minimum marks and age limit.
Here’s a side-by-side breakdown:
| Criteria | IPMAT Indore 2026 | IPMAT Rohtak 2026 | JIPMAT 2026 |
| Educational Qualification | Passed/appearing in Class 12 (any stream) in 2024, 2025, or 2026 | Passed/appearing in Class 12 (any stream) in 2024, 2025, or 2026 | Passed/appearing in Class 12 in 2024, 2025, or 2026 |
| Minimum Marks (Class X & XII) | No fixed % requirement (must have passed both classes) | 60% (Gen/EWS/OBC-NCL) & 55% (SC/ST/PwD) | Minimum 60% in Class 10 & 12 (Gen/EWS/OBC) & 55% (SC/ST/PwD) |
| Age Limit | Born on or after August 1, 2006 (relaxation: SC/ST/PwD +5 years) | Born on or after June 30, 2006 (relaxation: SC/ST/PwD +5 years) | Born on or after August 1, 2006 (relaxation: SC/ST/PwD +5 years) |
| Accepted By | IIM Indore, IIM Shillong, IIM Ranchi, IIM Amritsar, IIM Sirmaur (BMS) | IIM Rohtak only | IIM Jammu, IIM Bodh Gaya |
Key Insights
- IPMAT Indore → Most flexible (no minimum percentage requirement).
- IPMAT Rohtak → Strictest criteria, requires 60%+ in both Class 10 and 12.
- JIPMAT → Similar to Rohtak, but applies to IIM Jammu & IIM Bodh Gaya.
Pro Tip: If you’re worried about Class 10/12 marks dragging you down, IPMAT Indore is the safest bet.
Exam Pattern Comparison (Indore vs Rohtak vs JIPMAT 2026)
The exam pattern is one of the biggest differentiators between IPMAT Indore, IPMAT Rohtak, and JIPMAT. Each exam has its own structure, sectional distribution, and marking scheme — which directly impacts preparation strategy.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison:
| Feature | IPMAT Indore 2026 | IPMAT Rohtak 2026 | JIPMAT 2026 |
| Conducting Body | IIM Indore | IIM Rohtak | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Total Questions | 90 | 120 | 100 |
| Sections | 1. Quantitative Ability (MCQ) – 30 2. Quantitative Ability (SA) – 15 3. Verbal Ability (MCQ) – 45 | 1. Quantitative Ability – 40 2. Logical Reasoning – 40 3. Verbal Ability – 40 | 1. Quantitative Aptitude – 33 2. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) – 33 3. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) – 34 |
| Duration | 120 minutes (40 mins per section) | 120 minutes (40 mins per section) | 150 minutes (no sectional timing) |
| Question Type | MCQs + Short Answer (typed) | All MCQs | All MCQs |
| Marking Scheme | +4 (correct) -1 (MCQs only) SA has no negative | +4 (correct) -1 (incorrect) | +4 (correct) -1 (incorrect) |
| Unique Feature | Short Answer (SA) section – no options, precision-based | Logical Reasoning included; no sectional cutoffs | Balanced weightage across QA, DILR, VARC; NCERT-based |
Key Takeaways
- IPMAT Indore → Most challenging; sectional cutoffs + Short Answer section make it more interestingunforgiving.
- IPMAT Rohtak → Lengthiest (120 questions); speed and LR play a crucial role.
- JIPMAT → Balanced and slightly easier; no sectional time pressure, suitable for average students.
Pro Tip:
- If you are strong in higher-level maths → aim for Indore.
- If you’re good at reasoning + quick problem-solving → Rohtak fits better.
- If you want a more balanced paper → JIPMAT is the way to go.
Syllabus & Difficulty Level – Section-Wise Comparison
Although all three exams test Quantitative Ability and Verbal Ability, their syllabus depth and difficulty level vary a lot.
Here’s a structured comparison:
| Section | IPMAT Indore 2026 | IPMAT Rohtak 2026 | JIPMAT 2026 |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | Covers Class 11–12 level topics: Algebra, Logarithms, Functions, Sequences, Probability, Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry. Includes MCQ + Short Answer (SA) (most challenging part). | Covers Class 9–11 level: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Data Interpretation, Probability, Logs. Purely MCQs. | Covers Class 10–12 NCERT level: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Statistics. More application-based, less advanced than Indore. |
| Logical Reasoning (LR) | ❌ Not included | ✔️ Included – Seating Arrangements, Coding-Decoding, Puzzles, Data Sufficiency | ✔️ Included (as part of DILR) – Graphs, Tables, Puzzles, Series |
| Verbal Ability / VARC | Advanced Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Sentence Correction, Vocabulary, Para Jumbles. | RC-heavy + Grammar + Vocab. Moderate level, more scoring than QA. | RC passages (250–300 words), Grammar, Vocabulary, Para Jumbles, Idioms & Phrases. |
| Difficulty Level | Toughest – Advanced Math + sectional cutoffs make it high-stakes. | Moderate to Tough – Large number of questions, speed-based. | Easy to Moderate – Balanced sections, accessible to non-Maths students. |
For a more detailed breakdown of the syllabus for each exam, please refer to our individual blogs dedicated to them.
- IPMAT Rohtak 2026 Syllabus: Section-Wise Topics to Cover
- IPMAT Indore 2026 Syllabus: Detailed Section-Wise Breakdown
- JIPMAT Syllabus 2026: Section-Wise Topics, Key Areas & Question Types
Key Insights on Difficulty
- IPMAT Indore → Designed like “JEE Light” for Quant + strong English. Demands depth, accuracy, and time management.
- IPMAT Rohtak → Wider syllabus (QA + LR + VA), but not as conceptually deep as Indore. Requires speed + balance.
- JIPMAT → More NCERT-based, scoring possible with consistent practice. Good option for Commerce/Humanities students.
Placements & Career Outcomes
While the entrance exam is the first step, students (and parents) are ultimately concerned about career opportunities and salaries. Here’s how the three programs compare:
| Institute | Flagship Program | Average MBA Placement* | Top Recruiters | Key Highlights |
| IIM Indore | 5-Year IPM (oldest, launched 2011) | ~₹25 LPA average, ₹40+ LPA top | McKinsey, BCG, Goldman Sachs, Amazon, Google, Deloitte | Most established IPM program, strong alumni base, considered on par with CAT-MBA graduates. |
| IIM Rohtak | 5-Year IPM (launched 2019) | ~₹18–20 LPA average | KPMG, Deloitte, EY, PwC, Accenture, Tata Sons | Fast-growing brand, larger intake than Indore, placements improving year-on-year. |
| IIM Jammu & IIM Bodh Gaya (via JIPMAT) | 5-Year IPM (launched 2021) | ~₹12–14 LPA average | HDFC Bank, Adani, Infosys, Wipro, Axis Bank | Still relatively new, but backed by the IIM brand. ROI-friendly, with rising recruiter interest. |
* – All the numbers are taken from the official website of colleges for the MBA/PGDM/Post Graduate Batch of 2022-2024.
Key Insights
- IIM Indore → Best placements, global recognition, IPM alumni network across top consulting & finance firms.
- IIM Rohtak → Rapidly strengthening reputation, now attracting Big 4 firms and top corporates.
- JIPMAT Colleges (Jammu & Bodh Gaya) → Still young, placements are catching up, but a safe bet as IIM brand value continues to grow.
Which Exam is Tougher?
When comparing IPMAT Indore vs IPMAT Rohtak vs JIPMAT 2026, the difficulty level is a decisive factor for aspirants. While all three demand aptitude and consistency, the depth of mathematics, the presence of sectional cutoffs, and exam structure make them very different experiences.
Difficulty Comparison
| Exam | Quantitative Ability | Verbal Ability | LR / DILR | Overall Verdict |
| IPMAT Indore | Hardest – Includes Class 11–12 maths (Logs, Functions, Sequences, Probability). SA section adds precision-based challenge. | Moderate to Tough – RC + advanced grammar and vocab. | ❌ Not included | Toughest of the three. Requires deep math skills + sectional cutoff clearance. |
| IPMAT Rohtak | Moderate to Tough – Class 9–11 maths, speed-intensive. | Moderate – RC & grammar dominate. | Moderate – Arrangements, puzzles, coding-decoding. | Challenging but balanced. Heavy on speed and time management. |
| JIPMAT | Moderate – Based on NCERT Class 10–12 fundamentals. | Easy to Moderate – Vocabulary + RCs manageable. | Easy to Moderate – DI sets and reasoning puzzles. | Relatively easier. Great option for average students and non-Maths backgrounds. |
Key Takeaways
- IPMAT Indore → For students confident in higher mathematics. Most selective and toughest.
- IPMAT Rohtak → For students with good speed and reasoning ability. More forgiving than Indore.
- JIPMAT → For students from Commerce/Humanities backgrounds or those preferring a balanced paper.
Final Verdict:
- Strong in Math? → Target Indore.
- Quick thinker & strong in LR? → Rohtak fits you.
- Average student, want balanced difficulty? → JIPMAT is the safer bet.
Which Exam Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between IPMAT Indore, IPMAT Rohtak, and JIPMAT is not just about which exam is easier. It depends on your academic strengths, career goals, and eligibility profile.
Here’s a decision matrix to guide you:
| Student Profile | Best Exam Choice | Why This Works |
| Strong in Mathematics (Science/PCM background) | IPMAT Indore | Advanced Quant + SA section rewards students who have studied higher-level maths. Toughest exam but leads to the most reputed program with best placements. |
| Good at Logical Reasoning + Speed-Oriented Exams | IPMAT Rohtak | 120 MCQs in 120 mins test your balance across QA, LR, and VA. Perfect for students who are sharp with puzzles and quick problem-solving. |
| Commerce/Humanities Students with Moderate Math Skills | JIPMAT | NCERT-based QA, balanced across DILR and VA. Less intimidating than Indore/Rohtak, and still ensures entry into IIMs (Jammu & Bodh Gaya). |
| Students with 60%+ marks in Class X & XII | Indore, Rohtak, JIPMAT (all eligible) | Apply for all three to maximize chances. |
| Students with <60% in Class X or XII (General category) | IPMAT Indore only | Indore does not have minimum percentage criteria, unlike Rohtak & JIPMAT. |
| Average students seeking best chances of admission | Apply for All 3 | Each exam has a different style → increases overall probability of securing an IIM seat. |
Final Suggestion
- If your dream is IIM Indore’s IPM, prepare for Indore and use Rohtak + JIPMAT as backups.
- If you’re not confident in higher-level maths, Rohtak or JIPMAT are practical options.
- Ideally, if eligible, attempt all three. Each exam tests different skills, and cracking any one can secure your IIM admission dream.
Preparation Strategy & Best Books
No matter which exam you target — IPMAT Indore, IPMAT Rohtak, or JIPMAT 2026 — success depends on an innovative strategy + the right resources. Each exam demands a slightly different prep approach.
Preparation Strategy
1. For IPMAT Indore
- Quantitative Ability (QA): Focus on higher math (Logs, Functions, Sequences, Probability, Trigonometry). Prioritise Short Answer (SA) practice since there’s no negative marking.
- Verbal Ability (VA): Read editorials daily, solve RCs, and practice grammar rules.
- Mock Tests: Practice with strict sectional timers (40 minutes each).
2. For IPMAT Rohtak
- Quantitative Ability: Cover Class 9–11 basics (Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, DI).
- Logical Reasoning (LR): Daily puzzles + practice sets on arrangements, coding-decoding, data sufficiency.
- Verbal Ability: Balance RC + Grammar; vocab questions are common.
- Mocks: Full-length 120-minute mocks to build speed.
3. For JIPMAT
- Balanced Focus: QA (NCERT-based), DILR (graphs, caselets), VA (RC + vocab).
- Step-by-Step Approach: NCERT → practice books → mocks.
- Consistency: Revise basics and solve timed practice sets regularly.
Best Books for IPMAT & JIPMAT 2026
| Section | Recommended Books | Why Useful |
| Quantitative Ability | – Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal – Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Verma – How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude (CAT) by Arun Sharma – Tarkashastra’s IPMAT QA Workbook | Covers basics to advanced + Short Answer practice (Indore-specific). |
| Verbal Ability | – Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis – High School Grammar & Composition by Wren & Martin – Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi – Tarkashastra’s Verbal Ability Booklet | Custom RC + grammar sets based on Indore, Rohtak & JIPMAT trends. |
| Logical Reasoning (Rohtak & JIPMAT) | – A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal – Analytical Reasoning by M.K. Pandey – Tarkashastra LR Practice Booklet | Covers puzzles, arrangements, and DI-LR sets exactly as asked in past exams. |
| Mock Tests & PYQs | – NTA JIPMAT Official Mock Tests – Previous Year IPMAT Indore & Rohtak Papers – Tarkashastra Mock Test Series | Exam-like simulation with percentile analysis. |
Why Choose Tarkashastra Study Material?
- Exam-specific → Designed only for IPMAT/JIPMAT, no irrelevant CAT/JEE content.
- Latest Pattern → Includes Short Answer drills (Indore), LR sets (Rohtak), NCERT-focused QA (JIPMAT).
- Mock Tests → Real exam-level difficulty with in-depth performance analysis.
- Mentorship Edge → One-on-one mentor support to fine-tune prep strategy.
Pro Tip: Use NCERTs + 1 main book per section for basics, and rely on Tarkashastra mocks & booklets for exam-specific fine-tuning.
Conclusion
Cracking the right exam — IPMAT Indore, IPMAT Rohtak, or JIPMAT 2026 — is not just about difficulty levels, but about fit. Each exam opens doors to India’s premier IIMs. Still, the path you take depends on your strengths, academic profile, and career goals.
- IPMAT Indore → The toughest but most prestigious. Perfect for students strong in higher-level mathematics and aiming for the flagship IIM Indore IPM program with the best placements.
- IPMAT Rohtak → A balanced, speed-oriented exam. Ideal for students with good logical reasoning and time management skills. Its rising reputation and strong placements make it a solid choice.
- JIPMAT → The accessible gateway to IIM Jammu & IIM Bodh Gaya. Easier compared to Indore/Rohtak, it’s a great opportunity for Commerce and Humanities students to enter the IIM ecosystem.
Final Advice
- If eligible → Attempt all three exams. Each one tests different skills, and applying to all maximises your chances of securing an IIM seat.
- Focus not just on clearing cut-offs, but on long-term career growth. Placements and alumni strength are strongest at Indore, followed by Rohtak, and then JIPMAT IIMs.
- Choose smartly, prepare strategically, and remember — the right fit matters more than the “easiest” exam.
At Tarkashastra, we mentor you with pattern-specific study material, mocks, and one-on-one guidance to help you crack not just one, but all three exams if you choose to. With us your journey to an IIM seat starts with clarity, strategy, and the right mentorship.
Ready to decide between IPMAT Indore vs IPMAT Rohtak vs JIPMAT 2026?
FAQs (IPMAT Indore vs IPMAT Rohtak vs JIPMAT 2026)
1. What are the major differences between IPMAT Indore, IPMAT Rohtak, and JIPMAT 2026?
IPMAT Indore is the toughest with advanced Quant and sectional cutoffs. IPMAT Rohtak is speed-based with QA, LR, and VA, but no sectional cutoffs. JIPMAT is NCERT-focused and balanced, ideal for students from Commerce/Humanities backgrounds.
2. Which exam is tougher: IPMAT Indore, IPMAT Rohtak, or JIPMAT?
IPMAT Indore is considered the toughest due to its higher-level maths and Short Answer section. IPMAT Rohtak is challenging but more balanced. JIPMAT is regarded as the easiest of the three.
3. How do the exam patterns differ across these three exams?
Indore: 90 questions (MCQ + SA) in 120 mins. Rohtak: 120 MCQs in 120 mins. JIPMAT: 100 MCQs in 150 mins with no sectional timing.
4. What is the marking scheme in IPMAT Indore vs Rohtak vs JIPMAT?
Indore: +4/–1 for MCQs, no negative for SA. Rohtak: +4/–1 for all MCQs. JIPMAT: +4/–1 for all MCQs.
5. What are the eligibility criteria for Indore, Rohtak, and JIPMAT 2026?
Indore: No fixed % requirement. Rohtak: 60% in Class 10 & 12 (Gen/EWS/OBC) and 55% (SC/ST/PwD). JIPMAT: 60% in Class 10 & 12 (Gen/EWS/OBC) and 55% (SC/ST/PwD).
6. Which exam has a higher cutoff among the three?
As difficulty level and competition varies for all exams, we do not prefer commenting on highest or lowest cut-offs. Instead, we can say that looking at competition and challenges thrown by the exam, it is most challenging to clear IPMAT Indore cut-off. Comparatively clearing IPMAT Rohtak and JIPMAT cutoffs is a less challenging task.
7. How do the selection processes differ for IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak, and JIPMAT colleges?
Indore requires clearing sectional cutoffs and overall cutoffs. Rohtak considers only overall normalised scores. JIPMAT admissions are based on overall scores with PI/WAT at the institutes.
8. Which IIMs accept JIPMAT scores in 2026?
JIPMAT scores are accepted by IIM Jammu and IIM Bodh Gaya.
9. What is the difficulty level of IPMAT Indore Quant vs Rohtak Quant?
Indore tests advanced Class 11–12 topics (Logs, Functions, Probability). Rohtak focuses on Class 9–11 level maths, which is conceptually easier.
10. Which exam is better for students with a commerce background?
JIPMAT is most suitable for commerce students as it’s NCERT-based, balanced across QA, DILR, and VARC, and doesn’t require advanced math.
11. How do placements compare across IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak, and JIPMAT IIMs?
Indore leads with ~₹25 LPA average. Rohtak follows with ~₹18–20 LPA. JIPMAT colleges (Jammu & Bodh Gaya) average around ₹12–14 LPA.
12. Do all three exams test the same subjects?
No. Indore tests QA (MCQ + SA) and VA only. Rohtak tests QA, LR, and VA. JIPMAT tests QA, DILR, and VARC.
13. Which exam gives a better chance of selection for average students?
JIPMAT is the most accessible for average students due to its NCERT-level syllabus and no sectional cutoffs.
14. Can a student apply for all three exams in the same year?
Yes. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for IPMAT Indore, IPMAT Rohtak, and JIPMAT simultaneously to maximise your chances.
15. Which exam is recommended for long-term career growth?
IPMAT Indore offers the strongest placements and alumni network, making it the best for long-term career growth. Rohtak is fast-growing, while JIPMAT IIMs are still establishing themselves.
